Alarms?

Yes, they have gone off but except for 1 time it was always batteries and my fault for waiting to long to change them - the one time it said to change my controller was scary but you KNOW you were well trained and you can handle it better than anyone in your household so be confident - sit or lay down and change your controller you KNOW how and will do just fine - with the new controller you can check the green pump light if it is still green it is running - check the speed readout on the new little controller

If you can do so quickly call your coordinator and they will ask the right questions

Be confident and don't be afraid to be home alone or to drive alone (once your strength is up) just keep your spare parts nearby or in the front seat

Be confident in the equipment and yourself - you can handle it !!

Hi, Brenda. My mom received her Heartmate II in December. Those first weeks, we all lived in fear of everything! There were times that I felt like I may have inadvertently led mom to make the decision to have her pump installed, and that it was more than she could handle. She didn't seem to think she would be able to "live", which was the whole point of the surgery. Our amazing coordinators, nurses, and the support staff were there for us with every question and always patient. We also have a great support group that meets for lunch once a month.

Five and 1/2 months later, my mother is living again. She is enjoying all the things she did before surgery and lives completely independently. We know there will be challenges, but there is a new normal. It takes time, and healing. Always talk openly with your coordinator and doctors. Best wishes on your journey!

We lost power one night and mine alarmed, I keep a flash light near the bed. Turn it on and changed to batteries as quickly as I could, no issues.

Keeping my wife calm was the hardest part when my controller went bad. It was very easy and quick to change. Just stay calm and should be no big deal.